Submitted

Thu, Mar 6th 2014 02:25 pm

Fall
premiere set for TV's first cooking competition to let viewers taste each
week's winning dish

Ty Pennington is heading to the kitchen
to host TNT's new series "On the Menu,"
with legendary chef Emeril Lagasse
signing on as "menu master." "On the
Menu" is television's first cooking show ever to give viewers the chance
to taste the winning dish after every episode, as well
as give everyday cooks the chance to have their dish
appear in dining institutions across the country.

The series, slated to
premiere this fall, is produced by One
Three Media, with Mark Burnett serving
as executive producer.

In each episode, a group
of passionate home cooks will be challenged to create a signature dish for that
week's selected restaurant chain, stadium concession stand, or other American
food business. These amateur cooks will work in conjunction with professional
chefs to create their dishes, from concept to execution. A panel of judges will
then determine which dish not only tastes the best, but also fits with the
restaurant's current menu offerings. The winning dish will immediately go on
the business' menu, giving viewers at home the chance to go try the dish the
very next day.

As host of "On the Menu," Pennington will lead contestants through a series
of challenges that will put their brand knowledge and creative skills to the
test. He will also be their confidant and sounding board.

Lagasse will be the show's "menu master,"
serving as the seasoned chef and industry insider resource to help guide,
encourage and mentor the contestants through the competition. Using his vast
knowledge of cooking, branding and sales, Lagasse will help the contestants
refine the culinary creations they hope will pass the test and be served as a
dish on the menu.

"Ty Pennington has everything we could want
in a host: immense creativity, an engaging personality, a motivational spirit
and lots of down-home charm," said David
Eilenberg, senior vice president of unscripted development for TNT and TBS.
"Emeril Lagasse is one of the most popular and loved chefs of our time,
thanks both to his high-octane cooking style and his infectious enthusiasm.
We're extremely excited to be working with Ty and Emeril on TNT's 'On the Menu.' "

"We love being first with new formats for our
audience, and I think this one is a real winner," said executive producer Burnett. "Two TV
veterans, Emeril and Ty, who have amazing energy, are coming together
for a show that is all about serving up a brand-new experience for the
viewer. This is going to be fun to watch: Emeril and Ty in a kitchen with
real people creating a dish that's going to be on an actual menu."